Patrick Oconnell
Balderson Cheddar is a respected Canadian Cheddar cheese made by the Balderson Cheese Company in Winchester, Ontario. The company offers its cheddar at different stages of aging, with their premium series including cheese aged from three months to 18 months. Balderson also offers a Royal Canadian Cheddar that is aged for two years, which some consider the sweet spot on the aging scale. In terms of food safety, there are varying opinions on whether Balderson Cheddar is pasteurized. While some sources suggest that Canadian-produced cheese is generally pasteurized, others claim that aged cheddar may not be. It is recommended to consult official sources or the manufacturer for definitive information on the pasteurization status of Balderson Cheddar.
Is Balderson Cheddar Cheese Pasteurized?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pasteurization | Balderson Cheddar Cheese is not pasteurized. |
| Safety Concern | Balderson Cheddar Cheese is safe to consume as unpasteurized cheese is not commonly sold in Canada. |
| Brand | Balderson is a respected brand and a leading brand of cheddar in Canada. |
| Flavor | The Balderson 2-year cheddar has a mild bite, depth, and a well-balanced milky, smooth cheddar flavor. |
| Use Cases | Balderson 2-year cheddar is a versatile cheese suitable for recipes, snacking, and dishes like mac and cheese, cheeseburgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches. |
| Aging | Balderson offers their cheddar at different aging stages, ranging from 3 months to 18 months, with the premium series being the mildest. |
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What You'll Learn
- Balderson Royal Canadian Cheddar is made by the Balderson Cheese Company in Winchester, Ontario
- Balderson is a respected maker of Cheddar cheese in Canada, and their products are widely distributed
- Balderson offers their cheddar at different stages of aging, from 3 months to 3 years
- Balderson's 2-year-aged cheddar is considered the sweet spot on the aging scale, offering a mild bite with depth and a smooth flavour
- The legality of selling unpasteurized cheese in Canadian restaurants is a matter of debate
Balderson Royal Canadian Cheddar is made by the Balderson Cheese Company in Winchester, Ontario
Over time, the Balderson Cheese Company has built a strong reputation for producing quality cheddar cheese in Canada. Their products are well-distributed and can be found in many grocery stores across the country. The company offers a range of cheddar cheeses at different stages of aging, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
One of their notable products is the Balderson Royal Canadian Cheddar, aged for two years. This variety has gained recognition for its balanced flavour, combining a mild bite with a smooth, milky cheddar taste. The two-year aging process results in a cheese that is versatile and suitable for various recipes, earning it the title of the "benchmark for Canadian Cheddar" by Kathy Guidi, author of "Canadian Cheese – A Pocket Guide".
In addition to their cheese, the Balderson Cheese Company also offers a range of other products, including meats, baking supplies, teas, sauces, and jams. They proudly support other Canadian businesses by sourcing their products from various local companies. The company's store, Balderson Village Cheese, located in Perth, Ontario, provides a delightful experience for visitors, offering a variety of cheeses, condiments, crackers, and even antiques and furniture for sale.
Overall, the Balderson Cheese Company, based in Winchester, Ontario, has established itself as a respected producer of quality cheddar cheese in Canada, with their Balderson Royal Canadian Cheddar being a testament to their craftsmanship and dedication to their craft.
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Balderson is a respected maker of Cheddar cheese in Canada, and their products are widely distributed
Balderson's reputation has grown steadily over time, and it is currently a leading brand of cheddar in Canada. The company offers its cheddar at different stages of aging, from as little as three months to as long as 18 months or more in their premium series. Their Royal Canadian Cheddar, aged for two years, is particularly well-regarded, described as a "benchmark for Canadian Cheddar" by Kathy Guidi, author of Canadian Cheese – A Pocket Guide. This variety has a mild bite and depth balanced with a smooth, milky flavour, making it a versatile choice for recipes and snacking.
Balderson's cheddar is widely available in Canada, found in most grocery stores. It is also sought after by cheese enthusiasts outside of Canada, although it may be harder to come by. The company's commitment to quality and tradition has made it a trusted and beloved brand in the Canadian cheese market.
While the pasteurization status of Balderson's cheese is unclear, it is important to note that in Canada, raw (unpasteurized) cheese is not commonly sold. Canadian law may also restrict the sale of unpasteurized cheese in restaurants, and aged cheddars may be exempt from pasteurization requirements.
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Balderson offers their cheddar at different stages of aging, from 3 months to 3 years
Balderson, a well-known and respected Canadian maker of cheddar cheese, offers its product at various stages of aging. The company's premium series includes cheddar aged from as little as 3 months, which is the mildest, to 18 months. The longer the cheese matures, the drier, sharper, and more expensive it becomes.
The Balderson Cheese Company, based in Winchester, Ontario, has a long history dating back to 1881 when dairy farmers in Lanark County formed a collective to produce cheddar cheese. Over time, the company has built a solid reputation for its quality cheddar, which is now widely distributed across Canada and can be found in most grocery stores.
The Balderson Royal Canadian Cheddar Aged 2 Years is one of their most popular offerings. It is described as having the perfect balance between the classic cheddar flavour and a subtle sharp taste. This variety has a rich body and texture and may contain small salt crystals, a natural occurrence during the aging process.
For those who enjoy an even more mature cheddar, Balderson also offers a Premium Aged series, which includes cheddars aged from 2 to 6 years. The 3-year-old cheddar, in particular, is noted for its dry texture and the presence of crystals, making it ideal for fancy canapes rather than everyday meals.
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Balderson's 2-year-aged cheddar is considered the sweet spot on the aging scale, offering a mild bite with depth and a smooth flavour
Balderson's 2-year-aged cheddar is a cut above the rest, offering a unique combination of mild sharpness and smooth flavour that has secured its reputation as a leading brand of cheddar in Canada. The cheese is crafted by the Balderson Cheese Company in Winchester, Ontario, where dairy farmers in Lanark County, Ontario, formed a dairy collective in 1881 to produce cheddar cheese in a cooperative factory.
The 2-year ageing process is a delicate art, resulting in a cheddar that strikes the perfect balance between bite and depth. This variety is a versatile option for cooking, enhancing dishes such as mac and cheese, cheeseburgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches with its mild, smooth flavour. It also serves as a delightful snack, making it a household staple for many.
Balderson's commitment to quality is evident in the distribution of their cheese, which can be found in grocery stores across Canada. The company offers a range of ageing options for their cheddar, with their premium series including cheese aged from 3 months to 18 months. However, it is their 2-year-aged cheddar that has captured the hearts of cheese enthusiasts, earning the praise of cheese experts such as Kathy Guidi, author of "Canadian Cheese – A Pocket Guide".
While the legality of selling unpasteurized cheese in restaurants in Canada is a matter of debate, Balderson's 2-year-aged cheddar is generally considered safe for consumption. The ageing process reduces the need for pasteurization, and the cheese's popularity extends beyond Canada, with individuals in the US expressing interest in acquiring this delectable variety. Overall, Balderson's 2-year-aged cheddar is a testament to the art of cheese-making, offering a delightful sensory experience that has earned it a dedicated following.
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The legality of selling unpasteurized cheese in Canadian restaurants is a matter of debate
Balderson Cheddar is a well-known and respected Canadian cheese produced by the Balderson Cheese Company in Winchester, Ontario. The company offers its cheddar at different stages of aging, from as little as 3 months to 2 years, with the 2-year variety being considered the "sweet spot" in terms of flavor and balance.
In Canada, the sale of cheese made from unpasteurized milk is a nuanced topic and is indeed a matter of debate. While selling raw milk is illegal in the country, the Food and Drugs Act and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) allow the manufacture and sale of cheese made from unpasteurized milk under specific conditions outlined in Articles B.08.44 (1) and B.08.030. These conditions stipulate that the cheese must be stored at a temperature of at least 2°C for a minimum of 60 days from the start of the manufacturing process. This aging process is crucial as it allows the good bacteria to proliferate and gives the cheese its distinct flavor while also preventing the growth of harmful bacteria such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli.
However, the legality of selling unpasteurized cheese in Canadian restaurants becomes more complex when considering the type of cheese. Soft and semi-soft cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, have a higher risk of retaining problematic bacteria because they reach their peak ripening point at 20-30 days, which is well before the 60-day minimum requirement. As a result, Quebec stands out from the rest of Canada and most U.S. states by allowing the sale of these soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk without the 60-day aging requirement, following the European example where these cheeses have traditionally been made from raw milk without issues.
While unpasteurized cheese can be sold in Canada under certain conditions, it is important to note that the risk of consuming harmful bacteria is not entirely eliminated, only reduced. Therefore, it is generally recommended that individuals with higher health risks, such as pregnant women, infants, or those with compromised immune systems, avoid consuming raw milk cheeses and instead opt for pasteurized hard cheeses like cheddar, Colby, Swiss, or Parmesan.
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Frequently asked questions
Balderson Royal Canadian Cheddar, aged 2 years, is not pasteurized.
Yes, Balderson Cheddar Cheese is safe to eat. Only raw (unpasteurized) cheese is unsafe, and it is not commonly sold in Canada.
Yes, Balderson is respected as a quality maker of Cheddar cheese in Canada.
Balderson Cheddar is made by the Balderson Cheese Company in Winchester, Ontario.
The Balderson Royal Canadian Aged Two-Year Cheddar is considered the best all-purpose cheddar for recipes and is a good snacking cheese.
